Anderlecht secured a crucial 2-0 victory over KV Mechelen in their Champions’ Playoff clash, moving within striking distance of the top three as substitute Adriano Bertaccini delivered the decisive blow.
Late Surge Seals Vital Win
The Brussels side entered the match knowing a win was essential to retain their European hopes alive, and they got it thanks to a second-half surge. Bertaccini, introduced off the bench, struck in the 78th minute to break the deadlock before sealing the win with a second goal in stoppage time. His brace came after a frustrating first half in which Anderlecht dominated possession but lacked the final pass to unlock Mechelen’s compact defense.
The Belgian champions’ visitors had chances to grab the lead themselves, particularly through Myron van Brederode, whose header rattled the crossbar just before halftime. But it was Anderlecht’s persistence that paid off, with Bertaccini’s movement causing constant problems for the Mechelen backline once he came on.
Bertaccini Announces His Intentions
Speaking after the match, Bertaccini made his ambitions clear, stating he was ready to claim a starting spot
and prove his worth to head coach David Hubert. The Dutch forward, who joined Anderlecht in January, has largely featured as a substitute so far but used his impact to argue for more regular involvement.
I’ve been working hard in training every day. When the coach calls, I need to be ready – and today I showed I can make a difference.
Adriano Bertaccini
His comments came amid growing scrutiny over Anderlecht’s attacking output, with critics pointing to a lack of creativity in the final third. Bertaccini’s performance offered a timely reminder of the squad’s depth, even as questions remain about consistency.
Defensive Lapses Draw Criticism
On the other side, Mechelen’s frustration was palpable, with van Brederode lamenting his team’s defensive lapses. The Dutch midfielder conceded they had defended like tiny children again
, referencing repeated errors that allowed Anderlecht to exploit space behind the back line.
Mechelen entered the game battling to avoid relegation from the playoff zone, and the loss leaves them in a precarious position. Their inability to contain Anderlecht’s late surge highlighted ongoing issues with concentration and shape, particularly when protecting narrow leads or facing late pressure.
Standings Shift in Playoff Race
The win lifts Anderlecht to 42 points in the Champions’ Playoff standings, closing the gap on third-place Union SG to just three points. With two matches remaining, a top-three finish – and with it, direct qualification for next season’s UEFA Europa League – is now a realistic target.
Mechelen, meanwhile, remain on 28 points, five adrift of safety with two games left. Their fate now depends not only on their own results but also on outcomes elsewhere in the tightly packed lower half of the playoff table.
Anderlecht will look to build on this momentum when they face Cercle Brugge next weekend, while Mechelen travel to Kortrijk in a must-win encounter to keep their survival hopes alive.
